Rhythm of Life: Music Composition Course for Older Individuals with Dementia

The number of individuals with dementia in Taiwan was estimated to be around 320,000 in 2022. Of the individuals, 96% were aged 65 and older, while dementia also affects younger individuals. Considering the aging population and the need for evidence-based measures to reduce or prevent dementia, an 8-week program that combined music and exercise was developed and implemented in this study. The course enabled older individuals to create songs and perform related physical and cognitive activities. Before implementing the program, the Golden Age Association in Sanmin District, Kaohsiung, Taiwan offered the course to older individuals without dementia. The result revealed that grouping older individuals to create lyrics and music was challenging. Subsequently, we collaborated with the Vision Shalom Long-Term Care Center to revise the course for a cohort of older individuals with mild cognitive impairment. The process and results were discussed with experts in geriatric education and music therapy. Based on the feedback, a “Music for Love” package was revised for instructors and social workers to use for older individuals with dementia. A questionnaire survey, interviews, and observation were conducted to collect data and feedback on the effectiveness of the Music for Love Teaching Materials and explore how the program fostered social interaction among older individuals with dementia. The data analysis results were validated by the participants in the program and experts in music therapy and geriatric education. Based on the results, the program needs to be modified to tailor the content to older individuals with cognitive functioning problems.